Programmable touch sensitive controller

ABSTRACT

An improved user input device is disclosed having touch-sensitive areas. The touch-sensitive device may be implemented in a standard computer mouse, replacing the traditional buttons with a touch-sensitive region that may be configured specifically for the user or application desired. Alternatively, the touch-sensitive region may be incorporated into an otherwise traditional QWERTY keyboard. The touch-sensitive area may be programmed or mechanically actuated with a touch-sensitive membrane.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of computerperipherals, and more particularly to user input devices such as touchsensitive controllers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A user input device or controller is a hardware device that sendsinformation to the CPU for processing. Without any form of user input, acomputer would lack interactivity, and function simply as a displaydevice, much like a TV. Current input devices come in manyconfigurations, including joysticks, keyboards, mice, game pads, touchpads and microphones.

Most computer programs require a large and frequent variety of humaninput through a mouse and/or a keyboard. Often, a user is unable to usecertain computer programs to the fullest extent (if at all) in theabsence of a mouse or a keyboard. Such computer programs compriseanything from word processing programs to massively multi-player onlinerole-playing games (commonly known as “MMORPG”), and to highlyspecialized graphic design software.

For user input, computer mice have typically had three buttons (the twomain mouse buttons and a sliding scroll wheel). On a standard QWERTYkeyboard, there are traditionally up to 104/105 keys. Modern keyboardsmay offer more, including hot keys to launch certain applications.

Currently, certain applications allow each button of a mouse and certainbuttons on a keyboard to be assignable to different commands, macros orcombination of keyboard strokes. Many computer programs have a plethoraof commands that can be used for a given task. For example, in a typicalMMORPG, the user can control a character to perform 70-80 actions ormore. Naturally, not all are in the same order of importance to the useror are used with the same frequency.

There are inherent design limitations in current human interface devicessuch as a mouse and/or keyboard. With respect to the mouse, theplacements of the buttons and scroll wheel are usually in the same placefor every mouse (with only minor variations). Similarly, for a keyboard,the standard layout of QWERTY keyboard buttons and the number padbuttons are usually in the same fixed position (with only minorvariations). Additionally, because the placement of the buttons isfixed, the placement of the buttons might not have the same ergonomicfactor for all users and may not suit the anatomy of every computermouse user, e.g., small hands or slightly longer fingers.

Because of the plethora of commands, these commands or combinations ofcommands must usually be used to maximize the performance, utilityand/or enjoyment of the computer program.

Current human interface devices are limited by the placement of thebuttons, the number of buttons and the lack of dedicated buttons/keys tomultiples of commands in different software (though this last issue isvitiated somewhat by the ability to program and map certain keys on amouse or keyboard to different functions). If a user of a program haseasier, faster or more convenient access to such commands, theproductivity, efficient and even enjoyment of using the said computerprogram will be enhanced.

Touchpads on laptop computers provide an alternative user input format.Touchpads operate by sensing the capacitance of a finger, or thecapacitance between sensors. Capacitive sensors are generally laid outalong the horizontal and vertical axes of the touchpad. The location ofthe finger is determined from the pattern of capacitance from thesesensors. Some touchpads can emulate multiple mouse buttons by eithertapping in a special corner of the pad, or by tapping with two or morefingers. Such touchpads, however, are typically located on a laptopcomputer itself, and may not be ideally situated for a particular useror application.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a userinput device such as computer mouse, keyboard or other device thatadvantageously incorporates aspects of a touch pad and can be optimizedfor particular applications and to specific users' preferences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved user input device is disclosed having touch-sensitiveregions and having ergonomically-configurable features to custom fitindividual users.

In accordance of the present invention, a human interface device can beconfigured to change the number, placement and functions of buttons on amouse or keyboard through the placement of touch-sensitive surfaces (butnot necessarily restricted to capacitive, resistive or infra-redtechnology) on any portion of a mouse, keyboard or other human interfacedevice.

This touch-sensitive surface can be programmed or customized by the userso that the user can specify which area of the touch sensitive surfacewhen activated will launch a command, a series of commands, macros orcombination of keystrokes. In so doing, there can be a very large numberand combination of segments of the touch-sensitive surface which whenactivated will launch different commands.

Such programming or customizing may be accomplished by the user througha graphic user-interface (GUI) so that the user can assignpre-determined segments of the touch-sensitive surface to launch certaincommands when activated. The user may also opt to select varioussections of the touch-sensitive surface in a free form manner to hisdiscretion. The GUI may contain a visual representation of thetouch-sensitive surface to be mapped at the user's discretion.

In a preferred embodiment, the user may also map certain portions of thetouch-sensitive surface so that it activates no commands when activated.In this way, the user may opt to only map the segments of thetouch-sensitive surface which are within easy reach of his fingers (athis discretion) or are more ergonomically comfortable to activate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparentupon reading the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified top-down schematic view of a touch-sensitiveregion disposed on the top surface of a computer mouse in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified top-down schematic view of atouch-sensitive region disposed on the top surface of a computer mousehaving four independent regions in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified top-down schematic view of analternative touch-sensitive region disposed on the top surface of acomputer mouse in accordance with another aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified top-down schematic view of atouch-sensitive region disposed on the top surface of a computer mousehaving four independent color-coded regions in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified top-down view of a touch-sensitiveregion on a mouse as in FIG. 2, further comprising visual and/or tactiledemarcation boundaries.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified top-down view of a touch-sensitiveregion on a mouse as in FIG. 2, further comprising texturing to identifyindependent regions.

FIG. 7 illustrates a simplified top-down view of a touch-sensitiveregion on a mouse as in FIG. 2, further comprising visual labelsassociated with specific actions.

FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified top-down view of a touch-sensitiveregion on a mouse as in FIG. 2, further comprising visual labels forfunction keys.

FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified top-down view of a QWERTY keyboardmodified in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a simplified top-down view of a QWERTY keyboardmodified in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a simplified top-down view of a QWERTY keyboardmodified in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a simplified top-down view of a touch-pad device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of atouch-sensitive surface in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of atouch-sensitive surface in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention.

While the invention is susceptible to, various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiment's have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to belimited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As summarized above, embodiments of the invention provide a programmabletouch-sensitive region on a user input device, with optional mechanicalactuation.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, programming orcustomizing may be accomplished by the user through a graphicuser-interface (GUI) so that the user can assign pre-determined segmentsof the touch-sensitive surface to launch certain commands whenactivated. The user may also opt to select various sections of thetouch-sensitive surface in a free form manner to his discretion. The GUImay contain a visual representation of the touch-sensitive surface to bemapped at the user's discretion.

The user may also map certain portions of the touch-sensitive surface sothat it activates no commands when activated. In this way, the user mayopt to only map the segments of the touch-sensitive surface which arewithin easy reach of her fingers (at her discretion) or are moreergonomically comfortable to activate.

The activation of the area may be through a touch of the specific areaof the touch-sensitive surface, a combination of touches to a specificarea of a the touch-sensitive surface, the mechanical actuation of thatportion of the touch-sensitive surface, a combination of mechanicalactuations of portions of the touch-sensitive surface or a variety ofcombinations of touches and mechanical actuations on the touch-sensitivesurface.

The touch-sensitive surface may also be able to detect multiple touchesat the same time, the intensity of the touch (strength used), and thespeed of a touch (in the event of a swipe of the touch-sensitivesurface), upon which different series of commands may be launched.

In order for the user to demarcate and identify the different map-ablesegments of the touch-sensitive surface customized by the user, theareas may be demarcated by use of one or more of the following:

-   -   a) lights;    -   b) colors;    -   c) visual lines and characters;    -   d) texture or physical bumps on the surface;    -   e) small screens below it which shows different icons or        pictures;    -   f) by pictures on the segments themselves;    -   g) an overlay for standardized mapping;    -   h) a charged layer which creates text, pictures or colors which        does not require electricity to power;    -   i) generating a customizable tactile surface with the addition        of replaceable, transparent overlays that allow a user to rest        fingers on surface without actuation; or    -   j) generating a customizable tactile surface through the use of        the electrically stimulated programmable surface that will allow        the creation of any shape to conform to the display below.

The foregoing may be used individually or in combination with oneanother.

Any lights, colors or visuals lines are able to be programmed to blinkor pulsate in a certain manner for cosmetic effect, regardless ofwhether it is programmed to perform certain functions.

Turning now to the figures, traditionally, a mouse has two buttons, Aand B (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the region in which those buttonsare usually located (1 and 2), can, in accordance with the presentinvention, be replaced with a touch-sensitive surface instead oftraditional buttons which must be mechanically actuated.

If the surface of buttons A and B is replaced with a touch-sensitivesurface, it can be mapped in accordance with an aspect of the inventionto provide four or more buttons, as shown generally in FIG. 2. In FIG.2, button A has been replaced with two discrete touch-sensitive surfaces(3, 5), whereas button B has been replaced with two additionaltouch-sensitive surfaces (4, 6).

Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 3, the touch sensitive surface may besegmented in a free-form manner to suit the user's ergonomics. In thisexample, five touch-sensitive segments (7-11) are shown. As thetouch-sensitive surface is also able to detect multiple touches, thestrength of the touch and the speed of a swipe, in one embodiment, area8 is mapped to function like a scroll wheel, both forwards and backwardsand sideways.

When segmenting touch-sensitive areas, it is often useful to demarcateindependent areas so that the user is given a clear indication of whatinputs will be provided to the central processing unit. This may beaccomplished in several ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, todemarcate different areas, some areas may be configured to emit light ofdifferent colors. In the example shown, area 12 emits red light or a redglow, and area 15 gives off a blue light or a blue glow so they can beeasily demarcated and identified by the user.

In an alternative embodiment, the touch sensitive surface is segmentedthrough a pre-determined grid layout may contain pre-imprinted lines 20on the touch-sensitive surface as well, segregating the touch-sensitiveareas 16-19. This embodiment is depicted in FIG. 5. Lines 20 may bevisual (e.g., forming a grid) or may physically demarcate regions withraised ridges or recessed channels.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the various segments of thetouch-sensitive surfaces are demarcated by texture. As shown in FIG. 6,differing textures may be applied to some (e.g., 21) or all (21-24) ofthe segments.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the various segments of thetouch-sensitive surfaces (25-28) are labeled by a small screen next toit.

As shown in FIG. 8, the various segments of the touch-sensitive surfaces(29-32) may be converted to a screen and display a picture, text or anicon on it to show the function mapped to it. The touch-sensitivesurfaces may alternately be placed on the left and right sides of themouse or anywhere on the mouse to provide an infinite variety of buttonsand button layouts.

Instead of a handheld device like a touchpad, a keyboard can be adaptedwith touch-sensitive surface on it above, beside or below the usual“QWERTY” keys and this surface can also be mapped. In the example shownin FIG. 9, the touch-sensitive surface is on the top part of the keyboard and has been mapped to six segments, 40-45, the activation of eachof which launches a different function. The different functions may beprogrammable or pre-established. If programmable, the keyboard can beadditionally provided with a nonvolatile memory (not shown), or theapplication can perform the mapping through software. FIG. 10 shows thetouch-sensitive surface disposed at the side of the “QWERTY” keys andhas been mapped to six segments 50-55, the activation of each wouldlaunch a different function.

In FIG. 11, the entire keyboard is a touch-sensitive surface. The usercan opt to program the keyboard to act as regular keyboard, with eachsegment mapped to where the keys in a normal keyboard would appear.Optionally, instead of a number pad, that section of the touch-sensitiveis customized to suit the user's needs. In this example, the traditionalnumber pad region has been replaced with twelve regions 60-71. The“QWERTY” keys section may also contain an overlay to show where the keysare mapped as it is a standard layout.

In a preferred embodiment, the regions themselves are programmable. Anapplication can thus establish specific regions for the device that arespecially tailored for that application and control inputs requiredthereby. Alternatively, using a graphical user interface, a usermay“design” a specific layout directed to a particular application, userpreference, or both, and that design may be stored for later use.Multiple such profiles may be stored for later recall.

As shown in FIG. 12, instead of an entire keyboard, a gamepad canimplement the touch solution described herein. Touchpad 74 consists of atouch-sensitive surface and the user can select different segments 75-88to launch different commands.

In an alternative embodiment, in FIG. 13, the entire human interfacedevice consists of a touch-sensitive surface and the demarcation isthrough the use of an electronically stimulated membrane 90. Themembrane creates bumps (91, 92) or textures on the surface 93.Alternatively, it creates an ergonomic shape to suit a user's hands. Anelectrically stimulated programmable surface can be used that allows thecreation of any shape to conform to the display below.

In one embodiment, the electrically stimulated programmable surface usesa material such as electrorheological fluid. Electrorheological fluids(ER fluids) are suspensions of extremely fine electrically activeparticles (generally up to 50 micrometres in diameter) in anon-conducting fluid. The apparent viscosity of these fluids changesreversibly by an order of 10⁵ in response to an electric field. Forexample, a typical ER fluid can go from the consistency of a liquid tothat of a gel, and back, with response times on the order ofmilliseconds. ER fluids of this type are generally described in U.S.Patent Publication No. 2006/0099808, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIG. 14 shows a customizable tactile surface through the addition ofreplaceable, transparent overlays 95 on to the touch-sensitive surface.The added advantage of this embodiment is that users can rest theirfingers on the overlays 95 as they normally would the keys on a keyboardwithout actuating the keys.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments andobvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spiritand scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A touch-sensitive computer input device comprising: a housing adapted to be held within a hand of a user, said housing having an interior region and top and bottom surfaces, said top surface having front and back areas; a mouse subsystem within said housing and adapted to measure movement of the input device along an x-axis and a y-axis; a touch sensitive surface on said front area, wherein said touch sensitive surface comprises a plurality of demarcated regions corresponding to a plurality of input signals, said demarcated regions adapted to be controlled by at least an index finger and a middle finger of said hand of said user while said housing is held within said user's hand.
 2. The input device of claim 1, wherein said demarcated regions are color-coded.
 3. The input device of claim 1, wherein said demarcated regions are identifiable by texture.
 4. The input device of claim 1, wherein said demarcated regions are identifiable by illumination.
 5. The input device of claim 1, wherein said demarcated regions are identifiable by a charged layer which creates a visual display, and wherein said charged layer does not require electricity to power.
 6. The input device of claim 1, wherein said touch sensitive surface comprises an electronically stimulated membrane.
 7. The input device of claim 6, wherein said electronically stimulated membrane comprises electrorheological fluid.
 8. The input device of claim 6, wherein said electronically stimulated membrane is programmable.
 9. The input device of claim 1, further comprising a memory.
 10. The input device of claim 9, wherein said memory is programmed with one or more profiles associated with one or more desired layouts for said demarcated regions.
 11. The input device of claim 1, wherein said device is generally shaped like a traditional computer mouse.
 12. The input device of claim 11, comprising four demarcated regions.
 13. The input device of claim 11, comprising six demarcated regions.
 14. The input device of claim 1, wherein said demarcated regions can be programmed to blink or pulsate for visual effect, regardless of whether said demarcated regions are programmed to perform one or more functions.
 15. The input device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said demarcated regions is adapted to function like a scroll wheel.
 16. The input device of claim 15, wherein said at least one of said demarcated regions is adapted to detect a strength of touch.
 17. The input device of claim 15, wherein said at least one of said demarcated regions is adapted to detect a speed of swipe.
 18. The input device of claim 1, further comprising a second touch sensitive surface not disposed on said front area but disposed elsewhere on said housing.
 19. The input device of claim 1, further comprising software responsive to a graphical user interface for creating a plurality of associations between said demarcated regions and a plurality of control inputs.
 20. The input device of claim 1, further comprising replaceable, transparent overlays adapted to rest above said demarcated regions.
 21. A touch-sensitive computer input device comprising: a keyboard comprising a plurality of keys; adjoining said keyboard, a plurality of demarcated, touch sensitive regions.
 22. The input device of claim 21, further comprising a nonvolatile memory for storing a plurality of associations between said demarcated regions and a plurality of control inputs.
 23. The input device of claim 21, further comprising software responsive to a graphical user interface for creating said associations.
 24. The input device of claim 21, wherein said demarcated regions are color-coded.
 25. The input device of claim 21, wherein said demarcated regions are identifiable by texture.
 26. The input device of claim 21, wherein said demarcated regions are identifiable by illumination.
 27. The input device of claim 21, wherein said touch sensitive regions comprise an electronically stimulated membrane.
 28. The input device of claim 27, wherein said electronically stimulated membrane is programmable.
 29. The input device of claim 27, wherein said electronically stimulated membrane comprises electrorheological fluid.
 30. The input device of claim 21, wherein said keyboard comprises a full QWERTY keyboard.
 31. The input device of claim 21, wherein said demarcated regions can be programmed to blink or pulsate for visual effect, regardless of whether said demarcated regions are programmed to perform one or more functions.
 32. The input device of claim 21, wherein at least one of said demarcated regions is adapted to function like a scroll wheel.
 33. The input device of claim 32, wherein said at least one of said demarcated regions is adapted to detect a strength of touch.
 34. The input device of claim 32, wherein said at least one of said demarcated regions is adapted to detect a speed of swipe.
 35. The input device of claim 21, further comprising replaceable, transparent overlays adapted to rest above said demarcated regions.
 36. A touch-sensitive computer input device comprising: an exterior housing; disposed on said exterior housing, a plurality of demarcated, touch sensitive regions, said touch sensitive regions having a plurality of associations between with a plurality of control inputs; wherein said plurality of associations are programmable using a graphical user interface.
 37. The input device of claim 36, further comprising software adapted for creating a plurality of profiles, each of said profiles having a different plurality of associations.
 38. The input device of claim 37, further comprising a nonvolatile memory for storing said plurality of profiles.
 39. The input device of claim 38, wherein said nonvolatile memory is located within said input device.
 40. The input device of claim 38, further comprising a second memory for storing an active profile selected from said plurality of profiles.
 41. The input device of claim 36, wherein said demarcated regions are color-coded.
 42. The input device of claim 36, wherein said demarcated regions are identifiable by texture.
 43. The input device of claim 36, wherein said demarcated regions are identifiable by illumination.
 44. The input device of claim 36, wherein said touch sensitive regions comprise an electronically stimulated membrane.
 45. The input device of claim 44, wherein said electronically stimulated membrane is programmable.
 46. The input device of claim 44, wherein said electronically stimulated membrane comprises electrorheological fluid.
 47. The input device of claim 36, wherein said demarcated regions can be programmed to blink or pulsate for visual effect, regardless of whether said demarcated regions are programmed to perform one or more functions.
 48. The input device of claim 36, wherein at least one of said demarcated regions is adapted to function like a scroll wheel.
 49. The input device of claim 48, wherein said at least one of said demarcated regions is adapted to detect a strength of touch.
 50. The input device of claim 48, wherein said at least one of said demarcated regions is adapted to detect a speed of swipe.
 51. The input device of claim 36, further comprising replaceable, transparent overlays adapted to rest above said demarcated regions.
 52. The input device of claim 36, wherein said device is a gamepad.
 53. The input device of claim 36, wherein said device is a computer mouse.
 54. The input device of claim 36, wherein said device is a computer keyboard. 